Suggested Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 21-23
Devotional Thought:
Title: “How Christians should treat one another.”
Chapter 22 begins a section that will occupy the next four chapters and deals with matters that regulate the day-to-day conduct of the people. Some of the issues may be thought so mundane that it should not be necessary to reveal them in the Word of God. However, it is important that we realize that the our God is a God of detail, and all aspects of our lives must be marked by righteousness conduct. The underlying theme is that every individual in Israel should have concern for the wellbeing of others. Therefore, nothing would be done to harm them and everything would be done that would protect their interests. In this way society would be ordered in a harmonious manner, which would allow all of the people to enjoy the bounty of their inheritance and the presence of the God who had redeemed them from the bondage in Egypt. What would life be like in America or even in our churches if people would just honor this principle of scripture. The nation of Israel would be governed in a way that was far removed from that which they had known during the years in Egypt, and from that which was practiced by all others nations. Adhering to the teaching of these chapters would make Israel a testimony of righteousness and very unique from the world around them. Righteousness was to mark all dealings between individuals, families, and workers. Care was to be taken of the environment as well as the bird and animal life. The differences between the two sexes were to be respected with no attempt to interfere in this godly order, and there was to be no sexual impropriety in the dealings between men and women. In reading these chapters it must not be thought that they have little relevance to our society today. They teach that the Word of God touches all areas of our lives and because it is a living book, it is relative to today. Godliness, honesty, and righteousness are not only for the Lord’s Day. Care for others and integrity in all our dealings are basic factors in the lives of believers. They will mark the Christian out as different from the men and women of the world around us. In our Christian school, we have developed four core values that we seek to develop in every student and model in every staff member. Godliness, integrity, respect, and service will produce a legacy of excellence for each student, but will also be a life that brings glory to God.
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me to model righteousness in my life. Not for my own glory or attention, but that my life might be an accurate reflection of your design for your children.
- Lord, thank you for the promise that you will produce in me the fruit of the Spirit if I will be clay that is moldable and fashionable in the hand of my Potter.
- Lord, please help me to produce a product of godly Christians in my family, church, and school.